Thelma Faye Smith

THELMA FAYE SMITH, 86, of Maumelle passed away Feb. 5, 2015. Thelma was born May 7, 1928 in Kearney, Ark. She is predeceased by her husband, James and parents, Warren and Doll Wilson. She is survived by daughters, Cindy (JB) Bullard, Tanya (John) Straub, of Omaha, Neb. and Tracye (David) Whitt; sister, Nell Payne of Austin, Texas; grandchildren, Chris (Gidget) Bullard of Tampa, Fla.; Spence Bullard, Matt Bullard of Eugene, Ore., Misty Peterson, Lindsay (Dave) Hastings, Ryan Straub, Teighlor Straub, all of Omaha, Hunter (Morgan) Thomason, of Fayetteville, Hayley Thomason and 10 great-grandchildren. Thelma was a graduate of Redfield High, where she was a standout basketball player. She attended Draughon's Business College and planned to attend Arkansas State Teacher's College to become a coach when WWII ended and the love of her life came home. Thelma and James married Oct. 25, 1946. Thelma continued her love of basketball, playing with and against Women's Basketball Hall of Famer, Hazel Walker even after marriage. Thelma being the "fashionista," she chose to go into the retail business ultimately becoming a buyer for Lou Hoffman's and opening the First Casual Corner in Little Rock. Thelma quit it all to be a fulltime wife and mother but always had a hand helping James with all his business, endeavors throughout their 50 years together. Thelma belonged to Geyer Springs First Baptist Church; she was a member of Chi Sigma Sorority serving as President and Treasurer during her active years. She was an avid bowler, enjoyed watching her grandchildren play sports, especially basketball and loved cheering on the Razorbacks. Thelma was the "Martha Stewart" of her time - a wonderful cook, party planner, decorator, you name it she could do it, all with diamonds and pearls! In later years, Thelma joined the Red Hat Society and the Silver Streaks but the most important title she held was that of a wife, mother and grandmother to her beloved family. Celebration of Thelma's life will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2015 in the Chapel of Roller-Chenal Funeral Home 13801 Chenal Parkway, Little Rock, Ark. (501) 224-8300, with Bro. Paul Sanders officiating. Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m. Monday, Feb. 9, 2015 at the funeral home. Burial will be at National Cemetery, Little Rock. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Jude Children's Hospital or your favorite charity. Online guestbook: www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/chenal.